Contains Less Than 2%: Honey

Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees from the nectar of flowers. Bees collect nectar and store it in their honeycombs, where enzymes and evaporation transform it into honey. It is composed primarily of sugars, mostly fructose and glucose, with smaller amounts of other sugars, water, and trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Honey is primarily used as a natural sweetener in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Manufacturers add it to baked goods, cereals, sauces, marinades, and dairy products to provide sweetness and a distinct flavor. It can also contribute to moisture retention and browning in baked items.

Honey is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is primarily composed of sugars, and like other caloric sweeteners, excessive intake can contribute to health issues associated with high sugar consumption. The WHO has recommended reducing intake of free sugars, which includes honey, to limit risks of unhealthy weight gain and dental cavities. JECFA has evaluated honey and established specifications for its identity and quality.